The Transformative Power of Co-curricular Activities in Shaping the Whole Girl
At MLC School we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Our commitment to holistic education is reflected in an extensive co-curricular program designed to nurture every facet of our students’ development. Through a rich variety of opportunities including sport, music, debating, cadets, service initiatives, dance, drama, tours, and outdoor education; MLC School girls are empowered to thrive as courageous, capable, connected, committed, and compassionate individuals, ready to make their mark on the world.
The MLC School Graduate is defined by five core attributes, she will be:
- Courageous in her pursuits: Whether tackling a challenging hike in our adventure program or stepping onto the stage for a solo performance, our girls learn to face fears, take risks, and persevere.
- Capable of navigating change: Participation in diverse activities encourages adaptability and resourcefulness, qualities essential for navigating an ever-changing world.
- Connected to the community as an agent of change: Service Initiatives, cadets and group endeavours foster a sense of belonging and empower our girls to be agents of positive change.
- Committed to achieving her personal best: The pursuit of excellence in sport, music, or academic challenges instils a mindset of dedication and self-improvement.
- Compassionate – walking as a daughter of the light: Through service, teamwork, and creative expression, girls develop empathy, kindness, and a deep respect for others.
These qualities are not mere aspirations, they are intentionally curated through our diverse co-curricular offerings, which provide authentic contexts for students to develop resilience, leadership, adaptability, and empathy.
MLC School’s co-curricular program is as diverse as it is enriching. With over 80 activities to choose from, our debating teams foster critical thinking and articulate communication, while the cadet program builds resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Service initiatives connect students with local and global communities, nurturing a spirit of social responsibility and compassion. On the sports fields, girls experience the thrill of competition and the joy of collaboration, while music programs ranging from choirs to orchestras cultivate discipline and creative expression. Dance and drama provide platforms for self-discovery and confidence, and tours and outdoor education experiences challenge students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives.
We often hear girls and parents talk about the need to scale back co-curricular activities during their final years or even younger during assessment blocks. However, we believe this is counter intuitive. In addition to the clear mental health benefits of endorphin release through participating in activities, there is extensive research which underscores the vital role co-curricular activities play in academic success. Participation in sport has been linked to improved concentration, time management, and self-discipline, all of which are critical for strong academic performance. A 2020 study published in the Australian Journal of Education found that students engaged in regular sporting activities outperform their peers in literacy and numeracy assessments, with benefits attributed to increased motivation and cognitive engagement. So please encourage your daughter to stay involved, the key is balance!
Why do we run a Junior Strings program and offer so many music opportunities? Again, the research is clear. Involvement in music programs has a profound impact on brain development and learning. According to research from the University of Melbourne, students who learn an instrument demonstrate enhanced memory, language skills, and spatial reasoning. Music not only enriches the soul but also sharpens the mind, providing students with a unique cognitive edge that extends across all learning areas.
From a neuroscience standpoint, co-curricular activities are vital in shaping the developing brain. Engaging in diverse challenges whether mastering a new piece in the orchestra, strategising on the sports field, or preparing for a debate stimulates neural connections and strengthens pathways associated with executive function, creativity, and emotional regulation. Importantly, research highlights that such engagement helps reduce ‘neural pruning’ the natural process by which unused connections are eliminated. By staying active in a variety of pursuits for as long as possible, students maintain and enhance cognitive flexibility, supporting both academic achievement and emotional wellbeing.
At MLC School, our co-curricular program is not just an add on; it is integral to our mission of shaping confident, capable, and compassionate women. By embracing a multitude of opportunities, our students emerge as well-rounded individuals, ready to lead, serve, and inspire. We invite every girl to Dare to Be More, it’s a call to action for them to step forward, try something new, and discover the extraordinary within herself because at MLC School, every experience is a step toward a brighter, more empowered future.
– Melissa Boyd
Deputy Principal